15th Century Plate Arms Armour - Battle Ready, Pair

15th Century Plate Arms Armour - Battle Ready, Pair

This arm armour (German: Armzeug) is crafted from approx. 1.6 mm thick steel plate and consists of several articulated components ensuring maximum mobility. It is a battle-ready and fully articulated reconstruction. The forearm protection (vambrace) comprises a two-piece tube, hinged with brass fittings for ease of wear. The central section features the elbow cop (couter) with a side wing and associated articulated lames (Geschübe) that provide a seamless transition to the upper and lower arm sections. The upper arm protection (rerebrace) consists of a half-tube, to the top edge of which a thick piece of leather is riveted. This leather section has holes for attaching the arm armour to pauldrons or a gambeson using leather ties. For securing the armour to the arm itself, three robust leather straps with solid brass buckles are riveted to each arm guard, allowing you to adjust and fix the armour securely. The total length of one arm piece is approximately 53 cm, and the weight of the entire pair is around 3.6 kg. The steel features a polished finish.

How You Can Use This Arm Armour:

Thanks to its robust construction suitable for combat reenactment ("schaukampftauglich"), this pair is ideal for:

• Combat Reenactment and Historical Martial Arts: It provides reliable protection and a high degree of authenticity for portraying a 15th-century warrior.
• LARP: Perfectly complements your character as a knight, mercenary, or other heavily armoured fighter.
• Display: An imposing addition to your armour collection or as part of a historical exhibit.
• Costumes: Ideal for theatre, film, and other historically focused projects.

Historical Context:

Plate armour reached its zenith in the 15th century. Arm harnesses like these were an integral part of the full suits of armour worn by knights and men-at-arms. They offered comprehensive protection for the entire arm against slashing, thrusting, and blunt force attacks. Full articulation, particularly around the elbow, was a key feature, allowing the wearer the necessary freedom of movement for effective combat with swords, axes, or other weapons, without significantly compromising protection. Designs varied regionally (e.g., Gothic style in Germany, Milanese style in Italy), but the principle of complete limb protection remained constant.

Did You Know?

The development of plate armour in the 15th century was driven by a constant "arms race" between armourers and weaponsmiths. As techniques for piercing or crushing plate improved (e.g., with war hammers and crossbows), armourers had to respond with more sophisticated plate shaping, reinforcement of critical areas, and more complex articulated joints to ensure the wearer's survival on the battlefield.

Caring for Your Plate Arms:

To ensure this arm armour serves you well for a long time:

1. Storage: Keep it in a dry place to prevent corrosion of the steel parts.
2. Cleaning: Wipe the metal parts dry after use, especially on the inside, to remove perspiration.
3. Rust Prevention: Regularly treat the steel plates with a thin layer of conservation oil (e.g., WD-40, Ballistol) or wax. Don't forget the inside surfaces!
4. Leather and Brass Parts: Occasionally treat the leather straps with a leather conditioner. Brass buckles and hinges can be polished with a suitable brass cleaner if needed.
5. Moving Parts: Keep the joints clean and lightly oiled to ensure smooth movement.

Complete your harness with this high-quality, functional 15th-century arm armour and be ready to face any challenge on the field of honour!